North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is reminding North Dakotans that starting Sept. 1, the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will encourage healthier food choices by updating which items can be purchased with an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.
“Aligning allowable EBT purchases with healthier options empowers SNAP participants to make choices that support long-term health,” said HHS Commissioner Pat Traynor. “By promoting access to nutritious foods, the SNAP Healthy Choice Waiver is designed to prevent chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Updating what can be purchased with an EBT card will strengthen families, support healthier communities and advance North Dakota’s goal of becoming the healthiest state in the nation.”
More details on items that can or cannot be purchased with an EBT card are available at hhs.nd.gov/snap-healthy-choice-waiver. Flow charts to help participants determine if an item can be purchased with an EBT card are also available on the SNAP Healthy Food Choice Waiver webpage.
Retailers can request a list to assist them in updating their point-of-sale system on the SNAP Healthy Choice Waiver Retailer webpage at hhs.nd.gov/snap-healthy-choice-waiver-retailer-information.
“North Dakota was one of the very few states able to provide a list to retailers,” said HHS SNAP Unit Director Dawn Brossart. “We are grateful for the funding that made it possible to offer this valuable resource and support retailers through the transition.”
If you have questions about SNAP, visit hhs.nd.gov/applyforhelp or contact the Customer Support Center by email at applyforhelp@nd.gov; by phone Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT, at 866-614-6005 or 701-328-1000, 711 (TTY); or by mail to Customer Support Center, P.O. Box 5562, Bismarck, ND 58506. You can also contact a local human service zone office.